I am pleased to introduce the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program for 2013. Now in its 14th year, the program continues to provide a unique opportunity for parliamentarians to gain special insights into the Australian Defence Force that are simply not available through any other means. Of course, what sets the program apart from any other activity or official visit to a Defence establishment is the opportunity to live and work with the men and women of the Australian Defence Force. It is also a chance to see first-hand how Defence capability meets the strategic aims of government.
The program is bipartisan, with all parliamentarians warmly encouraged to participate. The testimonials presented in this brochure from three of the 2012 participants attest to the strength and success of the program. Further, the increasing participation rates demonstrate the popularity of the program among our colleagues.
In 2012, 12 new participants joined the program. However, the program also remains popular with previous participants. In 2012, six parliamentarians were ‘promoted’ to the coveted Boomerang Club: a club for those who have completed three or more attachments. Those who reached that milestone last year were:
- Senator Anne McEwen
- Senator Mark Furner
- The Hon Philip Ruddock MP
- The Hon Alan Griffin MP
- Alex Hawke MP
- Graham Perrett MP
The other important dimension of the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program is the exchange element, whereby up to 15 Australian Defence Force personnel are hosted by a Senator or Member of Parliament during a sitting week.
The participants are selected carefully from across the ranks of the three services as being representative of the ADF’s future leaders. They gain a unique insight into the machinations of the federal parliament and the valuable work undertaken by their hosts, especially within the committee process.
The program continues to remain indebted to those Senators and Members of Parliament who make themselves available each year to host. With this being an election year, the challenge has been to present a program that has sufficient flexibility to account for the additional demands on your time that will inevitably ensue. On that score I’m confident the program delivers and I wholeheartedly encourage you to sign up for the 2013 program and to learn more about the men and women who serve our nation in the Australian Defence Force.
Senator the Hon David Feeney
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence
 13-2-08_th.jpg)